Africa Dances [vinyl to flac]

AFRICA DANCES, Authentic 601.

This 1974 recording features a cross section of 1970's African dance music. The artists are Kale-Roger and Rochereau, Bantas De La Capitale, Ahamano's Guitar Band, Broadway Dance Band, Dele Ojo & His Star Brothers Band, S. E. Rogers, John Mwale, Peter Tsotsi, Nashil Pichen & the Equator Sound Band, Dick Ngoye and Party, Yaseen Mohammed and Party, Salim Abdullah With Golden Marimba Band, M. Makhuwele, Frida Sonko, Alemanyo Eshirtya Group.

 Compiled and Notes by John Storm Roberts

Strata East Treasures

Strata East Spiritual Treasures by Kingcake on Mixcloud

Strata East Treasures 2 by Kingcake on Mixcloud

Quarteto Em Cy [vinyl rip to flac]

Here is a treat for those into Brazilian music - the first album of Quarteto Em Cy.

"Quarteto em Cy (a play on words of the Portuguese for Quartet in B by poet and lyricist Vinicius de Moraes) is a Brazilian girl group originally composed of four sisters hailing from Ibirataia, a town located in the Brazilian state of Bahia: Cybele, Cylene, Cynara and Cyva - their real first names.

They started performing in 1959, appearing on local television in that year. Cyva, the leader of the group, then moved to Rio de Janeiro, and persuaded her three sisters to join her there. They then started to make regular appearances in the boates (small nightclubs) of Rio, particularly Bottle's bar and the legendary Zum-Zum, where they caught the attention of de Moraes and other prominent figures of the bossa nova scene. Their first album was released in 1964, and was to be followed by regular releases up to the late '90s, at the frequency of one a year, and sometimes more. Connoisseurs of MPB and tropicalia have a particular regard for the first few years of their recording career, when they were signed to Brazil's most daring label, Elenco.

The Quarteto em Cy, noted for the extraordinary precision of the vocalists' intonation and delivery, performed and recorded with almost every single major Brazilian artist of the '60s and '70s; their popularity exceeded and still exceeds the borders of their native country. They met with great success in America in the mid-sixties, and have a considerable following in Japan, where they still tour regularly.

The line-up of the quartet (which briefly split up, from 1970 to 1972) has changed a great deal over the years. However, the current formation (Cyva, Cybele, Cynara and Sonya) has been active since 1980, by far the most stable period in the group's history." wiki

Georges Arvanitas - Pianos Puzzle (1970) [Vinyl {Newer Source}, Re-Rip, Re-Post>Flac]

Here we have a classic rare George Arvanitas Trio album released on the French Saravah Records label. George and his crew, made up of Jacky Samson on bass and Charles Saudrais on drums lays down some of Arvanitas’exciting and dynamic original compositions. The listener also gets to hear George showcasing his mastery of the Hammond organ. One of my favourite LPs by George Arvanitas, because here he plays some solid modern jazz, Enjoy!

Saravah Records, SH 10.012, 1970

Recorded 17th, 30th June, 1970 in Paris

Personnel:

George Arvanitas - Piano (#A1, A3, B1, B2), Organ (#A2, B3)

Jacky Samson - Bass (#A1-B2), Electric Bass (#B3)

Charles Saudrais - Drums

Track Listing:

A1. Three of Us (6:02)

A2. High Beat (5:49)

A3. Space Ballad (5:49)

B1. Trane's Call (4:02)

B2. Contine (8:04)

B3. Un P'tit Peu de Soleil (4:38)

All Compositions by George Arvanitas

Note:

If you downloaded this before toss it and grab this far better rip [better dynamics].

Wilbur De Paris & His New New Orleans Jazz - That's A Plenty

Here's one for trad fans... a really fun and high tempo affair.  Tons of soloing and fireworks by all.  They give the classic standards great treatments, but for me the best tunes are the lesser known.  Side 2 plays really well and songs like "In A Persian Market" and "Change Of Key Boogie" are super exciting.

This album was part of a two'fer available on a Collectables CD.  Most recently it got the 24 bit treatment by Warner Japan as part of their "1000 Best: Atlantic" series.  Thanks to slantsignature, many of us in here were treated to a couple dozen of those reissues and they're all excellent.  With that in mind, I can't claim that this rip is the end all in sound quality or fidelity.  Overall it's great and more than listenable, the vinyl is certainly clean.  This stereo version is really great but Doc Cheatham's horn is consistently too loud throughout - almost clipping.  Aside from that I find there is differences from track to track.  One thing you should also be aware of is at the end of "Mack The Knife", the sound drops out abruptly.  This is on the recording and not an error on my part - I wonder if the reissue corrects this.

Anyhow, I thought I would put that out there for the audiophile types in the crowd.  Nit picking aside its a lovely album and sounds great.  A trip back to the old school... hot jazz!!!  Enjoy!!

One of a colorful string of Wilbur DeParis Atlantic recordings (all of which are quite difficult to find), this set contains more Dixieland warhorses than usual (only the leader's "Malta" and "Change O' Key Boogie" are lesser-known) but the frameworks and colorful solos uplift the music. While "That's A Plenty" and "Waiting for the Robert E. Lee" are taken at racehorse tempoes, "Mack the Knife" and "In a Persian Market" are more relaxed. The trombonist-leader is joined by his brother Sidney (who due to ill health is only on four of the nine selections) and Doc Cheatham on trumpets, clarinetist Omer Simeon, pianist Sonny White, guitarist John Smith, bassist Hayes Alvis and drummer Wilbert Kirk for the well varied and highly enjoyable program. - Scott Yanow / AMG

Atlantic SD1318
1958

Wilbur De Paris Tb; Doc Cheatham Tp; Sidney De Paris Cnt; Omer Simeon Cl; Sonny White Pn; John "BJ John" Smith Gtr; Hayes Alvis Bass; Wilbert Kirk Dr

Charlie Earland Trio feat. George Coleman - Soul Crib (1969) [re-rip]

This album has never seen the light of day on CD. Some tracks were later released on a few of Charles' Muse albums; namely Smokin' and Mama Roots, but careful checking of track timings reveals slightly different versions. In this regard they may have not been from the same session. George Coleman's addition to Charles Earland’s Trio truly makes this LP magnificent. He plays beautifully right throughout the whole session. In addition the listener cannot disregard the intuitive playing of Jimmy Ponder whereby he at times gets some marvelous opportunities to really stretch out. Of course as always Charles Earland beyond any doubt greatly entertains with his vivacious mastery of the B-3. Similarly without Walter Perkins’ driving the beat on drums and the inclusion of some very innovative percussive effects the tunes wouldn't be as dynamic. "Soul Crib" leans more toward the jazz side of things, featuring no fewer than five standards, one swinging original ‘The Dozens’ and a psychedelic free improvisation piece called ‘Mus’ Be LSD’ that seems completely out of place. Taken together the album truly entertains and clearly showcases George Coleman’s tenor blending seamlessly with Charles' big organ sounds. A masterful gem for its time and is highly recommended.

Choice Records, ST 520, 1969

Recorded November, 1969 in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey

Personnel:

Charles Earland - Organ

George Coleman - Tenor Saxophone

Jimmy Ponder - Guitar

Walter Perkins - Drums

Track Listing:

A1. Soon It’s Gonna Rain {Tom Jones, Harvey Schmidt} (7:31)

A2. Strangers In The Night {Charles Singleton, Eddie Snyder, Avo Uvezian} (5:02)

A3. Old Folks {Dedette Lee Hill, Willard Robinson} (5:29)

B1. The Dozens {Charles Earland} (2:50)

B2, Milestones #2 {Miles Davis} (2:45)

B3. Mus' Be LSD {Charles Earland} (6:33)

B4. Undecided {Sid Robin, Charlie Shavers} (6:35)

Credits:

Producer - Ozzie Cadena

Recording Engineer - Rudy van Gelder

Clifford Jordan - The Complete Strata East Sessions

No explanation required, eh?

Mal Waldron - Signals (1971) [vinyl>flac]

One of two LP's by pianist Mal Waldron made available on the Freedom label in the mid-1970's when Arista was handling it, this set features a solo outing by Waldron that fully displays his continually evolving style. He had moved away from his earlier Thelonious Monk influence to an extent and developed his own brooding style which made expert use of repetition. Waldron's four originals give him plenty of opportunity to stretch out; hopefully this intriguing set will be reissued on CD eventually. ~ by Scott Yanow, AMG.

Freedom Records, FLP 41042, 1979

Recorded 14^th August, 1971 in Baarn, Holland

Mal Waldron: Solo Piano

Track Listing:

A1. Signals {Mal Waldron} (7:42)

A2. Things That Go Bump In The Night {Mal Waldron} (8:44)

B1. Zapata {Mal Waldron} (10:41)

B2. Touch Of The Blues {Mal Waldron} (8:49)

Credits:

Producer - Alan Bates

U.S. Production Coordination - Michael Cuscuna, Steve Backer

Cover Art and Design - Ron Kellum

Photography - Raymond Ross

Art Direction - Howard Fritzson

Charlie Palmieri And Meñique - Con Salsa Y Sabor (1977) [vinyl>flac]

In 1977 two virtuosos of Salsa Music, pianist and arranger Charlie Palmieri born in New York in 1927 and Meñique aka Pinkie singer-songwriter born in the City of Panama in 1933, came together to produce this album.

A late date for the Cotique label - but a cooker of a set from the time when the imprint was one of the standout sources for salsa on the New York scene! Charlie Palmieri's united here with legendary Panamanian singer Menique - in a batch of tracks that has all the lively energy of Charlie's better-known albums from the 70s, but which is much more obscure overall! Charlie produced, and plays piano and a bit of percussion - and all lead vocals are by Menique, often with a slightly playful feel that clearly reflects the joy he and Charlie had in the studio putting the set together. Other players include Roy Roman and Lou Laurita on trumpets, Keith O'Quinn and Tom Malone on trombone, and Bobby Nelson on saxes – and titles include "Con Salsa Y Sabor", "El Amante", "Mi Tierra Lejana", "De Panama A Borinquen", "Tributo A Pedro Flores", and "Remordimiento". © Dusty Groove, Inc.

Unlike other tropical bandleaders who are no longer with us, like Tito Puente or Ray Barretto, the recorded output of Charlie Palmieri's was relatively small. This becomes particularly painful considering that Charlie was the man that his younger brother Eddie Palmieri referred to as "el verdadero rey de las blancas y las negras" (the real king of the ivories). In effect, every one of Charlie's recorded solos is a precious moment to enjoy. Every one of his albums, a treasure. As part of the promotion of this record, Palmieri and Meñique appeared on the infamous Puerto Rican TV show Noche de Gala performing an electrifying version of "El Barón." A clip of this performance (including a wonderfully dissonant, almost violent piano solo by Charlie) is widely available on the Internet. Watching a young Meñique belting out this song with his usual passion, framed by Charlie's piano and a ferocious salsa orchestra, you can't help but fool yourself into believing, for a brief moment, that the spirit of old school salsa is still alive and kicking in this day and age. ~ by Ernesto Lechner.

Cotique Records, LPS 88830, 1977

Recorded at Earth Sound Studios, New York in 1977

Personnel:

Charlie Palmieri - Piano, Percussion

Meñique [aka Pinkie] - Vocals

Roy Roman - Trumpet (#A1,A2,B1,B3)

Lou Laurita - Trumpet (#A1,A2,B1,B3)

José Merino - Trumpet

Nahum Mercedes - Trumpet

Keith O'Quinn - Trombone (#A1,A2,B1,B3)

Tom Malone - Trombone

Bobby Nelson - Saxophone

Harry Viggiano - Guitar

Bobby Rodriguez - Bass

Johnny "Dandy" Rodriguez - Congas (#A1,A2,B1,B3)

Manfrede Alfredo - Congas

John Jr. Papin - Bongos (#A1,A2,B1,B3)

Willie Rodriguez - Bongo

Mike Collazo - Timbales (#A1,A2,B1,B3)

Teddy Denoyer - Timbales

Adalberto Santiago. Néstor Sánchez, Vitín Avilés - Backing Chorus

Track Listing:

A1. Con Salsa Y Sabor [Sauce And Flavor] (4:08)

A2. El Amante [Lover] (3:14)

A3. Calor De Madre [Mother Heat] (7:56)

A4. Mi Tierra Lejana [Distant Land] (6:14)

B1. El Baron [The Baron] (5:07)

B2. De Panama A Borinquen [Panama To Borinquen] (5:16)

B3. Tributo A Pedroflores [Tribute To Pedro Flores] (5:49)

B4. Remordimiento [Remorse] (5:09)

Credits:

Producer - Charlie Palmieri

Engineer - Irv Greenbaum

Arrangements - Charlie Palmieri, Rodolfo Manzano, José Merino, Jose Madera

Copyist - Alexis Juan Martínez

Original Album Cover and Liner Photos - Mark Kozlowski

Original Album Design - Pam Lessero

Manfred Schoof Quintet - Scales

A perfect album... they don't come along too often do they?  Luckily for you, today's offering is just that.  It defies genre as avante-garde is too narrow a descriptive.  No, "Scales" is all at once melodic, chaotic, free, constructed, inside, outside... you dig??

It's incredible that this was released in 1976, it still sounds incredibly modern and fresh.  Schoof's compositions and musical soundscapes are absolute sonic perfection.  His music is the ultimate expression as he conveys moody brooding right through to elated joy.  Infact all the players contribute incredibly to each tune, be it locking the feel or soloing in front.

Pilz's bass clarinet is a breathy and dreamy addition - perfect in creating the vibe Schoof has crafted.  I also want to say that Hubner's brushes are something to behold.  He is able to play incredibly tight and technical fills while remaining in the background.  Indeed, this band are tight and it's clear they have played together beyond the studio.  I feel the balance they achieve between freedom and arrangement is a perfect one, something I prefer far more to say Miles' Bitches Brew group.  There is a certain accessibility that Schoof has added to the songs.  When he is playing, the notes really convey an emotion that you can feel, as opposed to just listening to a technical performance.

ECM recently issued a 2 disc set featuring all 3 of Schoof's albums released during the seventies.  "Scales" was the first of these and in my opinion, the best.  This LP is absolute mint and the fidelity is like all ECM recordings... overwhelmingly amazing.  The dynamics are breathtaking and they will carry you away to another zone.  I am really proud of this transfer, it's surely one of my best.  Captured at 24/44.1 wav and dithered to 16/44.1 FLAC, this is a truly minty affair.  Enjoy!!!

The title track of Scales opens both album and set with a primal trumpet cry. It is Schoof’s calling card: a rip in the ether from which flows undeniable light. Van ‘t Hof poeticizes this light from a place beyond waking. And indeed, the more instruments are added, the dreamier the music becomes. Over time, Pilz’s gorgeous rasp adds tactility, so that surreal gestures begin to feel familiar. Pilz stands out also in “Ostinato,” which finds him sharing a stepwise ground line with Lenz. We are so fully mired in this swampy unison that when he breaks free from the waves, his voice feels like a shaded benediction in what is easily among the finest tracks in the ECM archive. Van ‘t Hof’s organ drone is also notable here. Over it drums seem to describe abandoned castles, stone by stone, until they loom before us unscathed by time. The keyboardist provides deep color shifts throughout the program, evoking early Steve Kuhn vis–à–vis electric piano in “For Marianne” and spacy atmospheres in “Weep And Cry.” The former’s cloud rolls give Schoof vast chromatic freedom, while the latter evokes sunset before cooling into a twilit canopy, now alive as the darkness reveals its dance through the bass clarinet. The scene closes its eyes with “Flowers All Over” in the album’s most joyous music. Schoof rides a harmonic dolphin, plunging variously into intuitive digs, likewise inspiring Pilz to grand emotional heights. - Tyran Grillo / Between Sound And Space

Manfred Schoof: trumpet & flugelhorn; Michel Pilz: bass clarinet; Jasper van't Hof: piano, electric piano & organ;  Günter Lenz: double-bass; Ralf R. Hübner: drums.

Japo / ECM Records

ECM 19004

1976

A1 Scales 10:33
A2 Ostinato 12:45
B1 For Marianne 6:58
B2 Weep And Cry (Composed By – Ralf R. Hübner) 10:15
B3 Flowers All Over (Composed By – Jasper Van't Hof) 7:30

Heeeere's Chubby!!!!!

Well... those who know me will get a chuckle out of this.  I often make declarations of "being back" and then wind up, well, not being back.  I have for the most part been on a hiatus over the last 6 months.  The biggest reason is my young family who need my time immensely at this stage.  For anybody who doesn't know, I have 3 youngs kids aged 3, 5 and 8.  Add a wife and busy job to that, the result is very little spare time.  I'm sure most of you cats can relate one way or another.

In any case, I just wanted to re-introduce myself for anybody who has joined the fray during my absence.  The fall is here and soon the great Canadian tundra will be in full swing, so I will have much more time to begin sharing music again.  I find music blogging to be motivated by mood - and I'm in the mood kids!!

Aside from many random albums, there are some series I would like to roll out over the next few months.  I plan on finishing the Basie that I began, something I know everybody will dig.  I don't want to reveal everything here and now, but let's just say that I have a stack of sides by an artist who Mosaic has neglected to feature.

The Cult will remain dorment for now while I focus on the blog that's always been my home... The Crypt.  Shoutouts to KC, Chris & grumpy my Crypt brothers who have held things down real nice.  You know those guys are always killin it.  Have a great weekend and thanks for reading this.  If you are new(ish) to the Crypt please introduce yourself in the comments so I can know who you are - that includes anonymous types too.  Tell me what kind of shit you like and maybe I can dig something up.  Re-up requests are always considered as well cats...

Dancing in the Garden of the Muses #5

To MY ear this one is  rather remarkable magic carpet ride - You will have to email for links

Dancing In the Garden of the Muses #5 by Kingcake on Mixcloud

Count Basie and Joe Williams - Just The Blues

Re-upped by request... even if only one person benefits from this re-up, it was worth it to me.  A must own album for any jazz fan.  I also want to let you guys know that "Basie Rides Again" is still active.

This is without a doubt my favorite Basie/Williams side, and overall, one of my favorite Basie albums.  Some of you have undoubtedly picked it up from me at a couple of other blogs, but it's never seen light at the Crypt.

Basie and Williams masterfully interpret the blues using all of their skill.  At moments, Basie has the band roarin while at others, you would think it's little more than a trio backing Williams.

This has never seen a CD reissue but was infact included on the Basie Mosaic set.  My copy is actually an EMUS reissue, which I bought still sealed.  I can tell you that this is one of my greatest rips - ever.  For those of you who have followed my posts, I think you know that I don't make statements like that too often.  The dynamics are perfect and this album will really hit you in the gut at different points.

Just The Blues was ripped at 24/44.1 wav and dithered to 16/44.1 FLAC.  My hope is to share my Basie Roullette vinyl, most of which is unavailable and OOP.  The last iteration of The Crypt was seriously lacking Basie, lets change that.  Enjoy!!!

Roullette Records
R-52054
1960

A1 Confessin’ The Blues
A2 Mean Old World
A3 Trav’lin’ Light
A4 Key To The Highway
A5 Lyin’ Woman
B1 Chains Of Love
B2 Mean Mistreater
B3 Keep Your Hand On Your Heart
B4 Night Time Is The Right Time (When The Sun Goes Down)
B5 Tomorrow Night

Sonny Cohn, Thad Jones, Joe Newman, Snooky Young (tp)
Henry Coker, Al Grey, Benny Powell (tb)
Marshall Royal (cl,as)
Frank Wess (as,ts,fl)
Frank Foster, Billy Mitchell (cl,ts)
Charlie Fowlkes (bar)
Count Basie(p)
Freddie Green (g)
Eddie Jones (b)
Sonny Payne (d)
Joe Williams (vcl)

Budd Johnson - Ya! Ya! (1964) [vinyl>24-bit flac]

One of the most soulful sessions ever cut by tenorist Budd Johnson - recorded with a cool combo that features Al Williams on some smoking Hammond - plus bass and drums. Lots of tracks are originals – and titles include the jazz dance groover "Ya Ya" - plus "Exotique", "Tag Along with Me", and "Big Al". © Dusty Groove, Inc.

The music we today call JAZZ has many facets, many styles, many young striving blowers and fortunately, quite a large corp of creative unhampered instrumental giants. The featured tenor saxophonist of this album is one of these creative giants. Budd Johnson's career has spanned virtually all of the many styles that have controlled Jazz for one period or another. He has been and is still master of them all. I don't really believe this is the most important Jazz album ever made. Nor do I believe Budd Johnson thinks this. The claim here is that it is the latest recorded example of the continuing creativeness and melodic inventiveness of one of the under-rated saxophone giants of yesterday. TODAY, and undoubtedly, tomorrow. Those who have been championing the talents of Budd Johnson for quite a while are singularly impressed with his current work and are convinced that the greatest part of his career is only now just beginning. It's all right here in the grooves of this album for you to hear and appreciate. Don't disappoint your inner ear. ~ Extracts taken from Liner Notes by Joe Segal.

Argo Records, LP 736, 1964

Recorded 20^th & 21^st January, 1964 at Sound Makers Studio, New York City

Personnel:

Budd Johnson - Tenor Saxophone

Al Williams - Organ

Richard Davis - Bass (#A3-B1,B4,B5)

George Duvivier - Bass (#A1,A2,B2,B3)

Belton Evans - Drums

  

Track Listing:

A1. Ya! Ya! {Budd Johnson} (5:25)

A2. Come Rain Or Come Shine {Johnny Mercer, Harold Arlen} (4:16)

A3. Big Al {Budd Johnson} (2:04)

A4. Exotique {Esmond Edwards} (4:17)

B1. The Revolution {Budd Johnson} (3:51)

B2. Tag Along With Me {Budd Johnson} (2:43)

B3. Chloe {Neil Moret, Gus Kahn} (3:51)

B4. When Hearts Are Young {Sigmund Romberg, Alfred Goodman} (4:17)

B5. Where It's At {E. Herbert} (4:01)

Credits:

Supervisor - Esmond Edwards

Cover Photo - Esmond Edwards

Cover Design - Don Bronstein

Liner Notes - Joe Segal

George Benson - Blue Benson (vinyl rip)

A largely forgotten LP from just prior to the CTI era. A reminder of just how good a guitar player the man was.

Cecil McBee Sextet With Chico Freeman ‎– Compassion (1977) [Vinyl> flac 24bit]

The companion to 'Alternate Spaces'.
An album that has never had a CD release, this is my own rip from a mint sealed LP with full scans.

Review by Scott Yanow:
Performed the day after Music From The Source (also recorded at Sweet Basil in New York), this excellent post-bop set features the brilliant bassist Cecil McBee, up-and-coming saxophonist Chico Freeman (heard on tenor and soprano), trumpeter Joe Gardner, pianist Dennis Moorman, drummer Steve McCall and Don Moye on conga. They perform long renditions of a pair of McBee originals, along with Freeman's "Pepe's Samba." The excellent solos, particularly those of Freeman, are adventurous, yet still based in the hard bop/modal tradition.

1. Pepi´s Samba 13:15
2. Undercurrent 10:55
3. Compassion 17:25

Joe Gardner (t) Chico Freeman (ss,ts) Dennis Moorman (p) Cecil McBee (b) Steve McCall (d) Famoudou Don Moye (pc)
Recorded live at Sweet Basil, New York City, August 3, 1977.
(Enja 3041)

Joe Williams - Live! A Swingin' Night At Birdland

I'm sure many of you already have this one, but for those who don't... here's a treat.  Joe Williams backed by a quintet of pros in a small club, Birdland.  We are even treated to an intro from none other than Pee Wee Marquette.

This one is a winner from start to finish and has many nuances of a live performance.  Very intimate.  Brought to you in glorious mono, the fidelity is superb as the vinyl is clean.  24/44.1 wav dithered to 16/44.1 FLAC... enjoy!!!

In 1961, after six years as one of the main attractions of  Count Basie's orchestra, Williams (with Basie's blessing) went out on his own. One of his first sessions was this live recording, cut at Birdland with a strong quintet that featured trumpeter Harry "Sweets" Edison and Jimmy Forrest on tenor.  Williams mostly sings standards and ballads, but also tosses in a few of his popular blues (including "Well Alright, OK, You Win" and "Goin' to Chicago") during a well-rounded and thoroughly enjoyable set. - Scott Yanow / AMG

1. September in the rain (Warren-Dubin)
2. Come back baby (Mina-Bromley)
3. Five o'clock in the morning (Joe Williams)
4. By the river St.Marie (Warren-Leslie)
5. This can't be love (Rodgers-Hart)
6. Teach me tonight (DePaul-Cahn)
7. Well alright (Faye-Raye-Howell)
8. I was telling her about you (Charlap-George)
9. Have you met Miss Jones? (Rodgers-Hart)
10. Well oh well (Gillis-Bullard)

Roulette R-52085
1961

Joe Williams (vocal), Harry Edison (trumpet), Sir Charles Thompson (piano), Jimmy Forrest (tenor sax), Joe Benjamin (bass), Charlie Persip (drums)

Eddie Palmieri - Salsa-Jazz-Descarga "Exploration" (1978) [vinyl>flac]

One of Eddie Palmieri's greatest albums - and certainly one of the most mindblowingly creative! The album encompasses all the grooves stated in the title, and then some - as Eddie works with a mix of acoustic and electric instruments, crafting tunes that are long and exploratory, tightly jazzy but also free, and with more than a bit of funk in the mix on the best numbers. And far from confusing, the whole thing comes together with a really cohesive sound - the kind of broad vision in one fell stroke that only Palmieri could pull off! Titles include "Cobarde", "Chocolate Ice Cream", "The Mod Scene", "Random Thoughts", "Resemblance", and "Condiciones Que Existen". © Dusty Groove, Inc.

And to prove Palmieri's Latin-jazz chops go way back, here's a compilation of earlier excursions, as varied as they come. In case you're all Eddied up already and shun duplication, the fine, very varied tracks in question are "Cobarde," "Chocolate Ice Cream," "Resemblance," "The Mod Scene," "Condiciones Que Existen" and "Random Thoughts." ~ by John Storm Roberts, AMG.

Coco Records, CLP 151X, 1978

Personnel:

Eddie Palmieri - Piano, Electric Piano

Charlie Palmieri - Organ (#A2,B1)

Victor Paz - Trumpets

Ronnie Cuber - Baritone & Soprano Saxes, Flute

Mario Rivera - Baritone & Tenor Saxophones

Barry Rogers - Trombone

Jose Rodriguez - Trombone

Harry Viggiano - Electric Guitar

Alfredo De La Fe - Violin

Andy Gonzalez - Bass

Nicky Marrero - Timbales & Percussion

Tommy 'Chuckie' Lopez, Jr. - Bongo

Eledio Perez - Conga

Ismael Quintana, Jimmy Sabater, Willie Torres - Coro

Track Listing:

A1. Cobarde {Eddie Palmieri} (10:42)

A2. Chocolate Ice Cream {Alfredo Armenteros, Eddie Palmieri} (10:43)

A3. Ressemblance {Eddie Palmieri} (4:48)

B1. The Mod Scene {Eddie Palmieri} (12:28)

B2. Condiciones Que Existen {Eddie Palmieri} (3:59)

B3. Random Thoughts {Eddie Palmieri} (6:20)

Credits:

Producer - Harry Averne, Eddie Palmieri

Album Design & Illustration - Jorge Vargas